Required: Health insurance for visitors to the European Union

Are you a citizen of a country that the EU is requiring to have a visa for entry? Visas are required for such citizens also if they reside in countries like the United States or Canada. Are you a citizen of any country outside Europe planning to have an extended stay in Europe for a job assignment or leisure?

If your answer is yes you may remember Obama Care or health care for all. In Europe, not only citizens need health insurance, but also visitors. The exception are short time visits from citizens that can enter the EU without visa.  In order for consulates to issue a visa valid for the Schengen region, a proof of health coverage is necessary.

In order for EU country consulates to issue a visa valid for the Schengen region, a proof of health coverage is necessary.

What you would need to know when buying insurance.

• The insurance must be valid in all EU and Schengen countries
• The insurance has to cover the duration of your entire stay, even if just transiting
• The minimum amount for your insurance must be EIRP 30,000.00
• Every EU country has also specific national rules you should check.

For example, in Germany, your insurance must cover 100% of all hospital costs, regardless if you had an outpatient procedure or were admitted. This must include if you have to be seen by a specialist.  The out of pocket cost for any insurance cannot exceed 5,000 Euro.

In case you don’t need a visa for the initial entry into your destination country, you need to provide proof of insurance latest 31 days after you arrived. Authorities are well trained to check this. Diplomats are exempt.

It’s easy and quick to purchase such insurance.

Experts recommend contacting insurances like the BDAE Gruppe, since this group has years of experience in this field.

It makes sense it and may be required for non EU citizens to also ensure family members as well. These days health care can be very expensive.

Expat Visit visit, for example, is offering full coverage for only EUR 1.10 per day.

More information on health Insurance for foreigners in Germany .